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Illustration of a space shuttle re-entering the Earths atmosphere
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Illustration of a space shuttle re-entering the Earths atmosphere
Illustration of a space shuttle re-entering the Earths atmosphere. In order for the Space Shuttle to return to Earth it must shed 18, 000 miles per hour of velocity and descend low enough to make an unpowered glide to a landing strip. With 115 tons of vehicle traveling fast enough to circle the globe once every 90 minutes, there is a tremendous amount of kinetic energy to dispose of. The Shuttle disposes this energy like every other manned space vehicle: it uses the Earths atmosphere to convert its kinetic energy into heat. The Shuttle does this by slowly descending into the atmosphere bellyside-down at a 40 degree angle. This presents a large, blunt surface to the rushing air that continues to slow the orbiter for the next 16 minutes.
Through a combination of friction and compression, the temperature of the air around the Shuttle rises to 3, 000 A'F, hot enough to ionize the air into a glowing plasma trail that extends for miles behind the Shuttle. One effect of this plasma is to block all radio contact between the orbiter and ground control during the duration of reentry.
The Shuttle withstands the punishment of reentry via a thermal protection system that consists of thousands of individual silica tiles. The tiles, which are essentially bricks of very pure quartz sand, prevent heat transfer to the underlying orbiter aluminum skin and structure
Stocktrek Images specializes in Astronomy, Dinosaurs, Medical, Military Forces, Ocean Life, & Sci-Fi
Media ID 13062225
© Walter Myers/Stocktrek Images
Aeroshell Aerospace Astronautical Engineering Astronautics Atmosphere Blue Planet Blurred Motion Discovery Earth Energy Expedition Exterior Fast Glow Heat Heat Shields Horizon Journey Orbit Orbiter Planet Plasma Protection Protective Rear View Solar System Space Art Space Exploration Space Physics Space Shuttle Space Travel Spacecraft Spaceflight Spaceship Speed Surface Technology Temperature Two Objects Underside Vehicle Velocity World Friction Reentry
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This print showcases the intense journey of a space shuttle as it re-enters Earth's atmosphere. The illustration depicts the incredible feat of shedding an astonishing 18,000 miles per hour of velocity in order to make a safe descent back to our planet. With its massive weight of 115 tons and ability to circle the globe every 90 minutes, disposing of such tremendous kinetic energy becomes paramount. To achieve this, the space shuttle utilizes Earth's atmosphere as its ally. Descending bellyside-down at a steep angle of 40 degrees, it presents a large and blunt surface to the rushing air. This causes friction and compression that dramatically heats up the surrounding air to an astounding temperature of 3,000 A'F – hot enough to transform it into a glowing plasma trail visible for miles behind the shuttle. During this awe-inspiring reentry process lasting approximately 16 minutes, radio contact between ground control and the orbiter is completely blocked due to the ionization caused by this scorching plasma trail. However, thanks to an ingenious thermal protection system consisting of thousands of individual silica tiles resembling bricks made from pure quartz sand, the space shuttle withstands these extreme conditions without harm. These tiles effectively prevent heat transfer from reaching the underlying aluminum skin and structure. Walter Myers has masterfully captured this breathtaking moment in his artwork for Stocktrek Images, reminding us all of humanity's remarkable achievements in space exploration.
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